Portable gas monitor

ABSTRACT

A portable monitor used to measure landfill gas and landfill well parameters. The portable monitor includes a control unit and a measuring unit that can communication wirelessly with one another. The control unit and/or measuring unit can includes a heating arrangement to increase the temperature of one or more components in the control unit and/or measuring unit in cold environments.

The present patent application is a divisional application of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/634,186 filed Dec. 5, 2006.

The present invention is directed to portable fluid monitoring systems,particularly to a portable fluid monitoring system used to measure fluidpressure and/or fluid composition, and even more particularly to aportable gas monitoring system used to measure gas pressures andcompositions of gasses. The portable fluid monitor is particularlyuseful in measuring gas pressures and compositions of gasses fromlandfills; however, the portable fluid monitor can be used for other oradditional applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Landfills are commonly formed by depositing municipal solid waste andmany other types of trash in a canyon or pit (or even on flat ground)and depositing soil on top of the solid waste and trash. It is commonfor there to be alternating layers of trash and soil, one atop anotherin the landfill. The waste and soil layers are individually andcollectively porous media through which gas may readily flow. Oncemunicipal waste is disposed of at a landfill, the organic portion of thewaste begins to decompose. This decomposition initially proceeds throughan aerobic biodegradation process wherein much of the available oxygenin the buried waste is consumed. This decomposition produces endproducts which are primarily carbon dioxide and water. After a while,usually ranging from a few weeks to several months, the waste consumesessentially all the free oxygen in the landfill. The decomposition ofthe waste then proceeds through an anaerobic biodegradation process.During the anaerobic decomposition of the waste, microbes break down thecellulose and other organic wastes to produce methane (CH₄) and carbondioxide (CO₂). The landfill gas (LFG) that is formed typically includesabout 55% methane, 44% carbon dioxide and less than 1% trace gas. Thetrace gases consist of a wide variety of volatile compounds, which varydepending on the particular landfill.

As anaerobic gas production proceeds, the methane and carbon dioxideconcentration in the landfill increases. The mixture of methane andcarbon dioxide eventually begins to migrate within the landfill towardthe surface of the landfill and into the atmosphere. Surface emissionsof landfill gas are not desirable since the primary constituents of thelandfill gas are known green house gases. In addition, the trace gasesin the landfill gas can also lead to the formation of ozone, and/orresult in undesirable odors. Furthermore, the landfill gas may migratelaterally in the subsurface of the landfill and accumulate in nearbybuildings or other structures, thereby creating potentially dangerousconditions due to the methane content of landfill gas. Also, thelandfill gas may move to regions containing ground water, therebypotentially resulting in the contamination of the ground water. As such,it is desirable to collect landfill gas to prevent these negativeenvironmental effects. Also, it is desirable to collect landfill gas forenergy recovery purposes since the methane content of landfill gas canbe used as a source of fuel.

Landfill gas well extraction systems are commonly used to controllandfill gas surface emissions, control landfill gas subsurfacemigration away from the landfill, and often to collect landfill gas forenergy recovery. These extraction systems typically include one or morevertical and/or horizontal landfill gas extraction wells that are influid communication with one or more header piping systems. The headerpiping system is, in turn, fluidly connected to a vacuum source (e.g.,centrifugal blower, etc.).

When the methane concentration is relatively high and nitrogen isrelatively low in the landfill gas, for example, little or no air may bepenetrating the landfill, thus the extraction rate of the landfill gascan be increased. When the extracted landfill gas is nitrogen rich andmethane poor, and/or when oxygen is in the landfill gas, or when themolecular ratio of carbon dioxide to methane is high signalingsubstantial amounts of aerobic decomposition, the extraction rate of thelandfill gas is reduced.

The process of controlling flow of the landfill gas into the landfillwell is known as “tuning.” Various techniques have been used to “tune”the flowrate of landfill gas into the well. One technique is to adjustthe wellhead valve position. If the wellhead valve position is notcalibrated for a given flow rate, this method of operation is not veryreliable. The position of the valve handle typically does not providesufficient information about the well to control it. Another techniqueis to control the flowrate by controlling the wellhead vacuum. Thistechnique relies on the relationship of well pressure/vacuum to flow fora given well. Reliance upon this method of operation is difficult sincethe relationship between flow and pressure is difficult to affect whileperforming day-to-day well field adjustments. As decomposition,moisture, and other conditions change, this method can also becomeunreliable.

Another technique is to control the flowrate by using a fixed orportable flow measurement device at each wellhead to obtain data neededto calculate volumetric (or mass) flow rates of the landfill gas beingextracted from the landfill. This method of control is the most accurateand reliable of the various techniques used to control landfill gasflowrate into the well. The measurements can also be used to monitor thequantity of methane extracted (Landfill gas flowrate times percentmethane in landfill gas) and/or the quantity of BTUs recovered per hour(landfill gas flowrate times percent methane in landfill gas times BTUsper cubic foot of Methane times 60 minutes per hour). Measuring theflowrate of landfill gas from the landfill is an essential part ofmonitoring and adjusting a well in a landfill. The well should beadjusted until the amount of methane recovered is maximized for the longterm. A greater amount of methane or energy can usually be recoveredover the short term; however, this ultimately leads to diminishingreturns. This is seen in stages as increased carbon dioxide and gastemperature, and later as increased oxygen from well over-pull. In time,the methane content in the landfill gas will decline, resulting in aportion of the landfill, usually at the surface, being driven aerobic.The frequency of landfill well monitoring can vary. Normal monitoringfrequency for a complete field monitoring session with full fieldreadings will vary from typically once a month to once a week. Wellfield monitoring should not normally be extended beyond one month.Typical field readings include a) name of field tester, b) location oflandfill well, c) date/time of readings of landfill well, d) landfillgas composition (e.g., methane, oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, etc.),e) wellhead gas temperature, f) ambient air temperature, g) staticpressure of wellhead, h) applied vacuum pressure in wellhead, i)wellhead gas flow, j) wellhead adjustment valve position, k) newwellhead vacuum and flow information after any flowrate adjustment, l)calculation of landfill gas flowrate and methane flowrate; and m)comments and/or notes regarding well, landfill, testing procedure, etc.Other types of gasses in the landfill gas may be tested (e.g., carbonmonoxide, hydrogen sulphide, etc.) if problems are suspected in thelandfill.

A portable gas monitor is commonly used to “tune” landfill gas flowrateinto the well. The composition of the extracted landfill gas and thepressure in the well is measured periodically (e.g., daily, weekly,monthly, etc.). One type of prior art portable gas monitor currentlyused is a monitor offered by Landtec, a division of CES, Inc. Landteccurrently offers several models of portable gas monitors, namelySEM-500, GEM 500, GEM 2000 and GEM 2000 PLUS. These portable monitorsare carried to a landfill or landfill well. These devices can be used tomeasure the landfill gas composition being drawn from the well, thetemperature of the landfill gas, and the vacuum being drawn on thelandfill, etc. The testing procedure at each well can take about 3-60minutes, depending on the type of well and number of measurements takenfrom the well. These readings are then used to “tune” the flowrate oflandfill gas being drawn from the landfill.

Although these portable monitors enable the testing of wells, theseportable monitors have several drawbacks. During the fall, winter andsprings months, the outside temperature can drop to below 40′F.Operation of these prior art portable monitors can begins to slow downin colder temperatures, and in some situations, the portable monitorwill malfunction or altogether stop functioning in colder temperatures.These monitors include internal analytical components and LCD screensthat tend to malfunction or fail in colder weather. As such, when theinternal analytical components and/or LCD screen does not properly work,the operator cannot obtain and/or take readings from the portablemonitor or operate the functions of the portable monitor. As such,during the testing of a landfill well, the testing period may besignificantly extended due to slow operation of the portable monitor orbe interrupted when the portable monitor fails to properly operate. Theonly recourse by an operator when a monitor fails is to use a newmonitor for testing, detach the monitor from the well and bring themonitor into a warm environment to “thaw out” the monitor, or delaytesting of the well until there is a warmer day.

Another problem with these prior art portable monitors is that monitorcannot simultaneously measure the applied vacuum on the well, thedifferential vacuum on the well, and the available vacuum that can beapplied to the well. These prior art portable monitors only have twopressure testing ports that are designed to only determine the vacuumbeing applied to the landfill. As such, if an operator wanted todetermine the available vacuum that can be applied to the well, theoperator would be required to reconnect the monitor to obtain suchinformation. Such a procedure is inconvenient, time consuming, and canbe difficult and undesirable in inclement weather.

Another problem with these prior art portable monitors is that theportable monitor must be placed on or near the well during testing. Assuch, the individual using the portable monitor must be constantly nearthe portable monitor in order to operate the portable monitor, to obtainreadings from the monitor, and to determine whether the portable monitoris properly operating. Having to be in close proximity to the portablemonitor during testing is inconvenient and can also be uncomfortableduring inclement weather.

In view of the deficiencies that exist in prior art portable monitorsfor landfill wells, there is a need for a portable monitor thatsimplifies the testing of landfill wells and which overcomes the pastdeficiencies of prior art portable monitors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an improved portable monitor thatcan be used to measure the composition of a fluid stream. The portablemonitor is particular adapted for use with measuring gas from a wellsuch as, but not limited to a landfill well; however, it will beappreciated that the portable monitor can be used to measure thecomposition of a gas stream in other types of applications (e.g.,measure the gas composition in a cave, measure gas composition in asewage system, measure gas composition in a refinery, etc.). Theportable monitor is adapted for indoor and outdoor use. The portablemonitor is made of durable materials to withstand the outside elements(e.g., rain, cold weather, strong winds, snow, dust, sun, etc.). Theportable monitor also has a size, shape and weight that enables a userto easily and conveniently carry the portable monitor to a testing site(e.g., landfill well, etc.). Typically, the portable monitor has aweight of less than about 20 lbs, typically less than about 10 lbs., andmore typically less than about 6 lbs. The portable monitor alsotypically has a volume of less than about 500 cubic inches, typicallyless than about 400 cubic inches, and more typically less than about 250cubic inches. The portable monitor is designed to be used in a varietyof environments. A carrying device (e.g., backpack, brief case, etc.)can be used to conveniently store and/or transport the portable monitor;however, this is not required.

In one non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the portablemonitor of the present invention includes one or more heating elements.The one or more heating elements are used to provide heating to one ormore internal and/or external components of the portable monitor. Inprior art portable monitors, one or more components of a prior artportable monitor was prone to sluggishness and even failure when theportable monitor was used in cold environment (i.e., temperature of lessthan about 30-40° F.). As such, it was difficult, if not impossible, tomonitor gasses in a particular location (e.g., landfill well, etc.) whenthe weather was cold. The portable monitor of the present inventionovercomes this past problem by the use of one or more heating elements.In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the one or more heatingelements are designed to at least periodically maintain the temperatureof one or more components of the portable monitor above about 10° F.,typically above about 20° F., more typically about 30° F., even moretypically above about 40° F., and still even more typically above about50° F. The one or more heating elements can be positioned on and/or inthe portable monitor to a) maintain all of the components at leastperiodically above a certain temperature, or b) only maintain one ormore components of the portable monitor and/or one or more regions ofthe portable monitor at least periodically above a certain temperature.In another and/or additional non-limiting embodiment of the invention,the one or more heating elements are located at least partiallyinternally of the housing of the portable monitor. In this particularnon-limiting embodiment, the one or more heating elements are partiallyor fully integrated in the housing of the portable monitor. As can beappreciated, the one or more heating elements can be detachably securedin the housing of the portable monitor. For instance, the housing caninclude one or more accessible cavities that allows for the insertionand/or removal of one or more components of the one or more heatingelements from the housing. In still another and/or additionalnon-limiting embodiment of the invention, the one or more heatingelements are at least partially located on the exterior of the housingof the portable monitor. In one non-limiting aspect of this embodiment,one or more heating elements can be removably or irremovably connectedto one or more exterior portions of the housing of the portable monitor.In one non-limiting design, a heating jacket can be used to at leastpartially encapsulate one or more portions of the housing of theportable monitor. The heating jacket can be designed to detachablyconnect to the housing of the portable monitor so that the heatingjacket can be used only when needed or desired. As can be appreciated,many other or additional configurations of external heating elements canbe used to heat one or more portions of the portable monitor. In yetanother and/or additional non-limiting embodiment of the invention, theone or more heating elements can include an electric heating coil. Ascan be appreciated, other or additional types of heating elements can beused. (e.g., radiation elements, etc.). In still yet another and/oradditional non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the one or moreheating elements are powered by an internal and/or external powersource. In one non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the portablemonitor includes an internal power source (e.g., battery, fuel cell,solar cell, etc.) that is used to at least partially energize the one ormore heating elements. As can be appreciated, the internal power sourcecan be used to power one or more other components of the portablemonitor; however, this is not required. The internal power source can bea rechargeable and/or replaceable power source. In another and/oradditional non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the portable monitorincludes an external power source (e.g., external battery pack, electricplug to plug into a 120V/220V electric plug, etc.) that is used to atleast partially energize the one or more heating elements. As can beappreciated, the external power source can be used to power one or moreother components of the portable monitor; however, this is not required.As can also be appreciated, the external power source can be used torecharge an internal power source when an internal power source existsin the housing of the portable monitor; however, this is not required.In another and/or additional non-limiting embodiment of the invention,the one or more heating elements can be designed to be manually and/orautomatically activated. In one non-limiting aspect of this embodiment,the heating elements can be manually activated by a user. Suchactivation can be by any number of means (e.g., remote activation,switch activation, connection to a power source, etc.). This arrangementallows a user to manually activate one or more of the heating elementswhen the user determines that the environment is potentially cold enoughto possibly adversely affect the portable monitor. In another and/oradditional non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, one or more heatingelements can be designed to automatically activate when a predeterminedlow temperature has been detected. The predetermined low temperaturesetting can be a factory setting and/or a manual setting by an operator.In one non-limiting design, one or more temperature sensors (e.g.,temperature coil, electronic sensor, etc.) are positioned on and/or inone or more regions of the housing of the portable monitor to monitor asurrounding temperature. As can be appreciated, other or additionalarrangements can be used. In this arrangement, the portable monitorcauses one or more heating elements to activate when a low thresholdtemperature has been detected so as to prevent the temperature of one ormore components of the portable monitor to become too cold. In stillanother and/or additional non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, whenan automatic activation arrangement is used, the portable monitor can bedesigned to allow a user to manually activate and/or deactivate one ormore of the heating elements when so desired; however, this is notrequired. In yet another and/or additional non-limiting aspect of thisembodiment, the portable monitor can include a deactivator toautomatically deactivate one or more heating elements when the sensedtemperature of the heating element and/or the region about the heatingelement exceeds a predetermined temperature, and/or the one or moreheating elements have been activated for a certain period of time;however, this is not required. The predetermined low temperature settingand/or time period of activation setting can be a factory setting and/ora manual setting by an operator.

In another and/or additional non-limiting aspect of the presentinvention, the portable monitor includes one or more cooling elements.The one or more cooling elements can be used to provide cooling to oneor more internal and/or external components of the portable monitor.When the temperature of one or more components of the portable monitorbecomes too hot, the one or more components can be damaged and/ormalfunction. To address this overheating problem, the portable monitorof the present invention can include one or more cooling elements. Inone non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the one or more coolingelements are designed to at least periodically maintain the temperatureof one or more components of the portable monitor below about 200° F.,typically below about 150° F., more typically below about 120° F., andeven more typically below about 100° F. The one or more cooling elementscan be positioned on and/or in the portable monitor to a) maintain allof the components at least periodically below a certain temperature, orb) only maintain one or more components of the portable monitor and/orone or more regions of the portable monitor at least periodically belowa certain temperature. In another and/or additional non-limitingembodiment of the invention, the one or more cooling elements arelocated at least partially internally of the housing of the portablemonitor. In this particular non-limiting embodiment, the one or morecooling elements are partially or fully integrated in the housing of theportable monitor. As can be appreciated, the one or more coolingelements can be detachably secured in the housing of the portablemonitor. For instance, the housing can include one or more accessiblecavities that would allow for the insertion and/or removal of one ormore components of the one or more cooling elements from the housing. Instill another and/or additional non-limiting embodiment of theinvention, the one or more cooling elements are at least partiallylocated on the exterior of the housing of the portable monitor. In onenon-limiting aspect of this embodiment, one or more cooling elements canbe removably or irremovably connected to one or more exterior portionsof the housing of the portable monitor. In one non-limiting design, acooling jacket could be used that is designed to at least partiallyencapsulate one or more portions of the housing of the portable monitor.The cooling jacket can be designed to detachably connect to the housingof the portable monitor so that the cooling jacket can be used only whenneeded or desired. As can be appreciated, many other or additionalconfigurations of external cooling elements can be used to cool one ormore portions of the portable monitor. In yet another and/or additionalnon-limiting embodiment of the invention, the one or more coolingelements include an electric fan. As can be appreciated, other oradditional types of cooling elements can be used. (e.g., heat sinkarrangement, ice or chemical cooling pouch, etc.). In still yet anotherand/or additional non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the one ormore cooling elements are powered by an internal and/or external powersource. In one non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the portablemonitor includes an internal power source (e.g., battery, fuel cell,solar cell, etc.) that is used to at least partially energize the one ormore cooling elements. As can be appreciated, the internal power sourcecan be used to power one or more other components of the portablemonitor; however, this is not required. The internal power source can bea rechargeable and/or replaceable power source. In another and/oradditional non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the portable monitorincludes an external power source (e.g., external battery pack, electricplug to plug into a 120V/220V electric plug, etc.) that is used to atleast partially energize the one or more cooling elements. As can beappreciated, the external power source can be used to power one or moreother components of the portable monitor; however, this is not required.As can also be appreciated, the external power source can be used torecharge an internal power source when an internal power source existsin the housing of the portable monitor; however, this is not required.In another and/or additional non-limiting embodiment of the invention,the one or more cooling elements can be designed to be manually and/orautomatically activated. In one non-limiting aspect of this embodiment,the cooling elements can be manually activated by a user. Suchactivation can be by any number of means (e.g., remote activation,switch activation, connection to a power source, etc.). This arrangementallows a user to manually activate one or more of the cooling elementswhen the user determines that the environment is potentially hot enoughto possibly adversely affect the portable monitor. In another and/oradditional non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, one or more coolingelements can be designed to automatically activate when a predeterminedhigh temperature has been detected. The predetermined high temperaturesetting can be a factory setting and/or a manual setting by an operator.In one non-limiting design, one or more temperature sensors (e.g.,temperature coil, electronic sensor, etc.) are positioned on and/or inone or more regions of the housing of the portable monitor to monitor asurrounding temperature. As can be appreciated, other or additionalarrangements can be used. In this arrangement, the portable monitorcauses one or more cooling elements to activate so as to prevent thetemperature of one or more components of the portable monitor frombecoming too hot. In still another and/or additional non-limiting aspectof this embodiment, when an automatic activation arrangement is used,the portable monitor can be designed to allow a user to manuallyactivate and/or deactivate one or more of the cooling elements when sodesired; however, this is not required. In yet another and/or additionalnon-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the portable monitor can includea deactivator to automatically deactivate one or more cooling elementswhen the sensed temperature of the cooling element and/or region aboutthe cooling element falls below a predetermined temperature, and/or theone or more cooling elements have been activated for a certain period oftime; however, this is not required. The predetermined temperaturesetting and/or time period of activation setting can be a factorysetting and/or a manual setting by an operator.

In still another and/or additional non-limiting aspect of the presentinvention, the portable monitor includes at least three pressuresensors. The at least three pressure sensors enable the portable monitorto simultaneously measure at least three different pressures. Forinstance, when the portable monitor is used to measure pressures on agas well wherein gas is being drawn by a vacuum (e.g., landfill well,etc.), the at least three pressure sensors enable an operator tosimultaneously measure the static or applied vacuum pressure on thewell, the impact pressure on the well, and the available vacuum pressurethat can be applied to the well. Prior art portable monitors forlandfill wells only included two pressure sensors. These two pressuresensors were used to measure the applied vacuum pressure and staticvacuum of the well. As such, if an operator wanted to measure theavailable vacuum pressure of the well, the operator had to disconnectone of the tubes from the applied vacuum port on the well and reconnectthe tube at available pressure vacuum port on the well. This procedurewas not only time consuming and inconvenient, especially in inclementweather, the accuracy of the data readings potentially could becompromised during the disconnecting and reconnecting of the vacuumtubes. These problems associated with prior portable monitors areovercome by the portable monitor of the present invention. The portablemonitor of the present invention enables an operator to connect allthree vacuum pressure ports on a well to the portable monitor so thatthe applied vacuum pressure, the static vacuum pressure, and theavailable vacuum pressure of the well can be determined without havingto further reconnect and disconnect vacuum tubes.

In yet another and/or additional non-limiting aspect of the presentinvention, the portable monitor is a multi-unit system. In onenon-limiting embodiment of the invention, the portable monitor includesa control unit and a measuring unit. Prior art portable monitors were inthe form of a single unit. This single unit design required the operatorto temporarily mount the portable monitor on a portion of the well or ata region about the well, connect all of the sensors and/or pressuretubes to the well, and then press multiple buttons on the portable unitto perform the required tests for the well. This single unit design ofthe prior art portable monitor made it inconvenient and difficult forthe operator to take readings and perform the required operations on themonitor while the portable monitor was mounted on or about the well.During inclement weather, the taking of readings from the prior artportable monitor and the performing of the required operations on theportable monitor made such testing even more inconvenient and difficult,if not impossible. The plurality of units of the portable monitor of thepresent invention overcomes these past problems with prior art portablemonitors. The measuring unit of the portable monitor of the presentinvention is designed to connect to various portions of a well so as tomeasure one or more parameters of the well. The control unit of theportable monitor of the present invention is designed to provideinstructions and/or commands to the measuring unit, and/or to receiveinformation from the measuring unit. As such, an operator is able to 1)remotely monitor the operation of the measuring unit, 2) remotelycontrol one or more operations of the measuring unit, 3) remotely reviewinformation that is tested and/or measured by the measuring unit, and/or4) remotely process information receive from the measuring unit. Themulti-unit design of the portable monitor enables an operator to 1)first temporarily connect the measuring unit to the well or at alocation near the well and connect on the required tubes, wires, etc. tothe measuring unit, and 2) then use the control unit to begin therequired operations of the measuring unit and acquire all of therequired data from the measuring unit from a remote location. Themeasuring unit and control unit can communicate between one anotherwirelessly (e.g., IR connection, RF connection, etc.) and/or through acable connection (fire wire connection, USB connection, serial cable,etc.). This wireless configuration allows an operator to makeadjustments from remote locations and also enables the operator to seehow such adjustments effect the well being monitored without having towalk back and forth between the monitor and the valving on the well. Thewireless connection enables an operator to be located in a remotelocation (e.g., vehicle, power plant control room, sheltered area,header valve on the well, etc.) during the testing of the well. Thisconfiguration of the portable monitor enables an operator to connect themeasuring unit to a well and then move to a sheltered area or otherremote location (e.g., other regions on the well, etc.) to operateand/or monitor operation of the measuring unit. As such, duringinclement weather conditions, the operator only has to expose oneself tosuch conditions during the setting up and dismantling of the measuringunit on the well. The testing period of the well can then beaccomplished in a protected or sheltered area. Such an arrangement is asignificant improvement over prior art portable monitors. In situationswherein a wireless connection cannot be created and/or is not desired bythe operator, a cable connection can be connected between the controlunit and the measuring unit. Even with use of a cable connection, theoperator can operate/monitor the measuring unit from the control unit ina more convenient manner (e.g., sit in a chair, sit on an ATV, sit in acar located close to the measuring unit, etc.).

In still yet another and/or additional non-limiting aspect of thepresent invention, the portable monitor is designed to providegeographic location information. In one non-limiting embodiment of theinvention, the measuring unit and/or control unit includes a G.P.S.component that provides G.P.S. location information. Many well locationsare located in remote locations. The G.P.S. location function on theportable monitor can be used to easily identify which well was testedand the exact location of a well that was tested and/or is to be tested.In one non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the control unit includesa G.P.S. component that provides G.P.S. location information. In anothernon-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the measuring unit includes aG.P.S. component that provides G.P.S. location information.

In another and/or additional non-limiting aspect of the presentinvention, the portable monitor includes a measuring unit has a durabledesign. In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the measuringunit is designed to be used in a wide variety of environments. When inuse, the measuring unit may be exposed to high temperatures, lowtemperatures, rain, snow, ice, fog, dust, etc. The housing of themeasuring unit is designed to protect the internal components from suchenvironmental conditions. In one non-limiting aspect of this embodiment,the measuring unit has an Ingress Protection Rating for dust of at least4, typically at least 5, and more typically 6; and an Ingress ProtectionRating for water of at least 3, more typically at least 4, even moretypically at least 5, still more typically at least 6, and still evenmore typically at least 7. In one non-limiting design of the measuringunit, the Ingress Protection Rating for the measuring unit is at leastIP43, typically at least IP55, and more typically at least IP67. Such IPrating enables the measuring unit to be used in rainy conditions, snowyconditions, sunny conditions, dusty condition, etc. and still operateproperly. In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of thisembodiment, the measuring unit is designed so that it can properlyoperate in temperatures at least as low as about 32° F., more typicallyat least as low as about 0° F., and even more typically at least as lowas about −20° F., and in temperatures at least as high as about 90° F.,typically at least as high as about 120° F., and more typically at leastas high as about 140° F. In another and/or alternative non-limitingembodiment of the invention, the housing of the measuring unit is madeof a durable material that protects the internal components of themeasuring unit from damage when the measuring unit falls from a wellmounting and/or is inadvertently dropped on the wound. The one or morematerials used to at least partially form the housing can be include,but are not limited to, metal, plastic, rubber, fiber and/or carbonreinforced material, etc.

In still another and/or additional non-limiting aspect of the presentinvention, the measuring unit is a portable unit that can perform avariety of functions. In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention,the measuring unit has a weight of less than about 20 lbs, typicallyless than about 10 lbs., and more typically less than about 5 lbs. Themeasuring unit also typically has a volume of less than about 500 cubicinches, typically less than about 300 cubic inches, and more typicallyless than about 200 cubic inches. In another and/or additionalnon-limiting embodiment of the invention, the measuring unit includes aplurality of pressure sensors to enable the measuring unit todetect/measure one or more pressures. In one non-limiting aspect of thisembodiment, the measuring unit includes at least three pressure sensorsto enable the portable monitor to simultaneously detect/measure at leastthree different pressures. In one particular non-limiting design of themeasuring unit, the measuring unit is able to be simultaneouslyconnected to at least three vacuum pressure ports on a well to enablethe measuring unit to measure the static pressure, the applied vacuumpressure and the available vacuum pressure of the well; however, this isnot required. In another and/or additional aspect of this embodiment ofthe invention, the detection/measurement of one or more pressures by themeasuring unit can be used to calculate the flow rate of fluid at ornear the location of the detected pressures. In one particularnon-limiting design, the measuring unit and/or control unit can bedesigned to calculate the flow rate of landfill gas into the landfillwell based at least partially on one or more pressures detected/measuredby the measuring unit. As can be appreciated, the measuring unitand/control unit can be used to calculate the flow rate of other oradditional fluids based at least partially on one or more pressuresdetected/measured by the measuring unit. In still another and/oradditional non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the measuring unitcan include one or more chemical analyzers to identify and/or measurethe concentration of one or more components in a fluid stream (e.g.,landfill gas, etc.). In one non-limiting aspect of the presentinvention, the measuring unit can include one or more chemical analyzersto identify and/or measure the concentration of one or more componentsin a gas stream. In one particular non-limiting design, the measuringunit can be used to identify and/or measure gasses and/or gasconcentration from a landfill well. In such a design, the measuring unitincludes one or more chemical analyzers that are designed to identifyand/or measure the at least the concentration of methane, carbon dioxideand oxygen. As can be appreciated, the measuring unit can also includeone or more chemical analyzers that can be used to identify and/ormeasure the concentration of other gasses from a landfill well (e.g.,carbon monoxide, chlorine, cyanide, hydrogen, hydrogen sulfide,mercaptan, nitric oxides, nitrogen, sulfur oxides, etc.). The one ormore chemical analyzers used to identify and/or measure gas can bedesigned to be replaceable in the measuring unit so that the measuringunit can be customized by the operator; however, this is not required.As can also be appreciated, when the measuring unit is designed for usesother than or in addition to measuring landfill gas, the measuring unitcan include chemical analyzers that are designed to measure the desiredgasses and/or liquids in a tested fluid stream. In another and/oradditional non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, one or more chemicalanalyzers in the measuring unit can include analyzers such as, but notlimited to, IR measuring cells, galvanic cells, etc. In still anotherand/or additional non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the measuringunit can include one or more chemical analyzers to measure the lowerexplosive limit (LEL) and/or upper explosive limit (UEL) of one or morecomponents in a fluid stream. In one particular non-limiting design, themeasuring unit measures the LEL and/or UEL of methane in a fluid stream.For methane, the LEL is at about 5% and the UEL is about 15%. This LELand/or UEL reading can be useful for the operator of the portablemonitor. At concentrations in air below the LEL, there is not enoughexplosive component (e.g., methane, hydrogen, etc.) to continue anexplosion; whereas at concentrations above the UEL the explosivecomponent has displaced so much air that there is not enough oxygen tobegin an explosive reaction. As can be appreciated, the LEL and/or UELreading can be determined by the measuring unit and/or control unit forother or additional explosive components. In still another and/oraddition non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the measuring unit caninclude one or more pumps to drawn fluid into and/or expel fluid out ofthe measuring unit. In non-limiting design, at least one pump is used todraw landfill gas through one of the pressure sensors in the measuringunit so that the gas can then be directed to one or more chemicalanalyzers in the measuring unit. In yet another and/or additionalnon-limiting embodiment of the invention, the measuring unit can includeone or more temperature ports used to receive temperature informationfrom one or more temperature probes. The temperature measurement can beused to facilitate in flowrate calculations, provide information on theactivity of a landfill, etc. In one non-limiting aspect of thisembodiment, the measuring unit includes at least one temperature portthat is designed to be connected to a temperature probe that is in turnconnected to a temperature monitoring port of a landfill well. Thetemperature probe can be designed to measure the temperature of thelandfill gas being drawn from a landfill and through the landfill well.In still yet another and/or additional non-limiting embodiment of theinvention, the measuring unit can include one or more indicators tofacilitate in the use and/or operation of the measuring unit. Suchindicators can include, but are not limited to, heateractivation/deactivation indicator, battery level indicator, batterycharge indicator, battery use indicator, on/off indicator, coupler/portindicator to indicate when coupler/port is properly and/or improperlyconnected, coupler/port indicator to indicate when coupler/port is inuse, malfunction indicator, malfunction indicator, etc. The one or moreindicators can be in a variety of forms such as, but not limited to, asound indicator, a visual indicator (LED light, LCD light or panel,incandescent light, etc.), etc. In another and/or additionalnon-limiting embodiment of the invention, the measuring unit can includeone or more monitors (e.g., LCD panel, etc.) to enable an operator toview/use one or more operations and/or functions of the measuring unit,enable an operator to control one or more operations and/or functions ofthe measuring unit, view one or more indicators for the measuring unit,etc. In still another and/or additional non-limiting embodiment of theinvention, the measuring unit can include one or more buttons and/orswitches. The one or more buttons and/or switches can be used to enablean operator to activate and/or deactivate one or more functions of themeasuring unit, to display and/or access information from the measuringunit, to provide instructions and/or information to the measuring unit,etc. In yet another and/or additional non-limiting embodiment of theinvention, the measuring unit can include a power pack compartment usedto store one or more energy cells. The one or more energy cells can beused to provide power to one or more components of the measuring unit.The power pack compartment can be designed to enable easy access toenable the servicing and/or replacement of one or more energy cells;however, this is not required. The power pack compartment can include apower port to enable one or more of the energy cells to be rechargedwhile contained in the power pack compartment; however, this is notrequired. In yet another and/or additional non-limiting embodiment ofthe invention, the measuring unit can include one or more connectionports used a) to connect the measuring unit to the control unit toenable data transfer between the two units, b) to connect the measuringunit to a phone jack, c) to connect the measuring unit to an ethernetconnector, d) to connect the measuring unit to another computer, e) toconnect the measuring unit to a computer, data storage device and/orprinter, etc. The one or more connection ports can be designed to acceptone or more types of cables (e.g., fire wire, USB, serial cable, phonecable, ethernet cable, etc.). In still yet another and/or additionalnon-limiting embodiment of the invention, the measuring unit includesone or more circuits and/or microprocessors (e.g, Intel processor, flashmemory, hard drive, etc.) to operate one or more software and/orhardware programs (e.g., calibration hardware/software, flowratecalculation hardware/software, BTU calculation software, gas analysishardware/software, communication hardware/software, mode of operationhardware/software, pressure analysis hardware/software, temperatureanalysis hardware/software, etc.) that are loaded/included in themeasuring unit. In yet another and/or additional non-limiting embodimentof the invention, the measuring unit can include one or more expansionslots (e.g., Type1 and/or Type II expansion slots) to enable additionalhardware and/or software to be added to the measuring unit (e.g., addedmemory, wireless technology, etc.). In still yet another and/oradditional non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the measuring unitcan include one or more sensors to detect/measure ambient conditions(e.g., temperature, pressure, humidity, etc.). In another and/oradditional non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the measuring unitcan include one or more filter, liquid traps, etc. that are used toprotect one or more components of the measuring unit when testing fluids(e.g., landfill gas, etc.). In still another and/or additionalnon-limiting embodiment of the invention, the measuring unit is able toat least perform the testing and/or analysis functions of prior artportable monitors (e.g., GEM 500, GEM 2000, GEM 2000 PLUS, etc.).

In yet another and/or additional non-limiting aspect of the presentinvention, the portable monitor includes a control unit that is designedto be durable. In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, thecontrol unit is designed to be used in a wide variety of environments.The housing of the control unit is designed to protect the internalcomponents from various types of environmental conditions. In onenon-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the control unit has an IngressProtection Rating for dust of at least 4, typically at least 5, and moretypically 6; and an Ingress Protection Rating for water of at least 3,more typically at least 4, even more typically at least 5, still moretypically at least 6, and still even more typically at least 7. In onenon-limiting design of the control unit, the Ingress Protection Ratingfor the control unit is at least IP43, typically at least IP55, and moretypically at least IP67. Such IP rating enables the control unit to beused in rainy conditions, snowy conditions, sunny conditions, dustycondition, etc. and still operate properly. In another and/oralternative non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the control unit isdesigned so that it can properly operate in temperatures at least as lowas about 32° F., more typically at least as low as about 0° F., and evenmore typically at least as low as about −20° F.; and in temperatures atleast as high as about 90° F., typically at least as high as about 120°F., and more typically at least as high as about 140° F. In anotherand/or alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the housingof the control unit is made of a durable material that protects theinternal components of the control unit from damage. The one or morematerials used to at least partially form the housing include, but arenot limited to, metal, plastic, rubber, fiber and/or carbon reinforcedmaterial, etc. In one non-limiting design, the control unit is a highlydurable portable hand-held device (e.g., PDA device, Palm PC device,Blackberry device, etc.). One non-limiting highly durable portablehand-held device that can be used as the control unit includes a TRIMBLERECON that is offered by Trimble Navigation Limited, 935 Stewart Drive,Sunnyvale, Calif. 94085. As can be appreciated, other highly durableportable hand-held devices can be used for the control unit of theportable monitor of the present invention.

In still yet another and/or additional non-limiting aspect of thepresent invention, the control unit is a portable unit that can performa variety of functions. In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention,the control unit has a weight and size that are less than the measuringunit. In one non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the control unithas a weight of less than about 5 lbs, typically less than about 2 lbs.,and more typically less than about 1.5 lbs. The control unit typicallyhas a volume of less than about 100 cubic inches, typically less thanabout 75 cubic inches, and more typically less than about 50 cubicinches. In another and/or additional non-limiting embodiment of theinvention, the control unit includes one or more circuits and/ormicroprocessors (e.g., Intel PXA255 XScale processor, flash memory,etc.) to operate one or more software and/or hardware programs that areloaded in the control unit. Non-limiting examples of software that canbe loaded in the control unit includes, but is not limited to, G.P.S.software, navigation software, wireless communication software,photograph/video software, sound/music software, sound recordingsoftware, voice recognition software, file/data transfer software,interne browser software, wordprocessor software, touch screen software,database software, spreadsheet software, operating system software,scanner software, printer software, power point software, CAD software,email software, calendar software, address book software, securitysoftware, t.v. software, radio software, data management software,software to operate/monitor the measuring unit of the portable monitor,calibration software for the control unit and/or measuring unit,handwriting recognition software, diagnostic software for the controlunit and/or measuring unit, time/date/timer software, software to makerecommendations for landfill gas flowrate into well, BTU calculationsoftware, LEL calculation software, EPA software, environmentalsoftware, software used to process landfill well and gas data, etc. Instill another and/or additional non-limiting embodiment of theinvention, the control unit can include wireless technology to enablethe control unit to communicate with the measuring unit, the interne,mobile phone systems and/or other remote locations and/or systems. Suchtechnology includes, but is not limited to, 802.11 wireless technology,Blue tooth technology, IR technology, etc. In yet another and/oradditional non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the control unitcan include a camera, microphone, speaker, etc. to enhance themultimedia features of the control unit; however, this is not required.In still yet another and/or additional non-limiting embodiment of theinvention, the control unit can include one or more indicators tofacilitate in the use and/or operation of the control unit. Suchindicators can include, but are not limited to, battery level indicator,battery charge indicator, battery use indicator, on/off indicator,coupler indicator to indicate when coupler is properly and/or improperlyconnected, coupler indicator to indicate when coupler is in use,malfunction indicator, etc. The one or more indicators can be in avariety of forms such as, but not limited to, a sound indicator, avisual indicator (LED light, LCD light or panel, incandescent light,etc.). In another and/or additional non-limiting embodiment of theinvention, the control unit can include one or more monitors (e.g., LCDpanel, etc.) to enable an operator to view/use one or more operationsand/or functions of the control unit; view one or more indicators forthe control unit; view/control one or more features of the measuringunit; view/use one or more software programs on the control unit,view/use email and/or text messages, etc. In still another and/oradditional non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the control unitincludes one or more buttons and/or switches. The one or more buttonsand/or switches can be used to enable an operator to activate and/ordeactivate one or more functions of the control unit and/or measuringunit, to display and/or access information from the control unit and/ormeasuring unit, to provide instructions and/or information to thecontrol unit and/or measuring unit, volume control, display brightnesscontrol, etc. In yet another and/or additional non-limiting embodimentof the invention, the control unit can include a power pack compartmentthat is used to store one or more energy cells. The one or more energycells can be used to provide power to one or more components of thecontrol unit. The power pack compartment can be designed to enable easyaccess to enable the servicing and/or replacement of one or more energycells; however, this is not required. The power pack compartment caninclude a power port to enable one or more of the energy cells to berecharged while contained in the power pack compartment; however, thisis not required. In yet another and/or additional non-limitingembodiment of the invention, the control unit can include one or moreconnection ports. The one or more connection ports can be used a) toconnect the control unit to the measuring unit to enable data transferbetween the two units, b) to connect the control unit to a phone jack,c) to connect the control unit to an ethernet connector, d) to connectthe control unit to another computer, e) to connect the control unit toa computer, data storage device and/or printer, etc. The one or moreconnection ports can be designed to accept one or more types of cables(e.g., fire wire, USB, serial cable, phone cable, ethernet cable, etc.).In yet another and/or additional non-limiting embodiment of theinvention, the control unit can include one or more expansion slots(e.g., Type1 and/or Type II expansion slots) to enable additionalhardware and/or software to be added to the control unit (e.g., addedmemory, bar code scanner, wireless technology, etc.).

It is a non-limiting object of the present invention to provide aportable monitor that can be used to more easily obtain informationabout fluids.

It is another and/or additional non-limiting object of the presentinvention to provide a portable monitor that can be used to measurefluid pressure and/or fluid composition.

It is still another and/or additional non-limiting object of the presentinvention to provide a portable monitor that can be used to measure gaspressures and composition of gasses.

It is yet another and/or additional non-limiting object of the presentinvention to provide a portable monitor that can used to measuring gaspressures and composition of gasses from landfills.

It is still yet another and/or additional non-limiting object of thepresent invention to provide a portable monitor that can operate in coldtemperatures.

It is another and/or additional non-limiting object of the presentinvention to provide a portable monitor that includes a heater.

It is still another and/or additional non-limiting object of the presentinvention to provide a portable monitor that can simultaneously measurethree or more pressures.

It is yet another and/or additional non-limiting object of the presentinvention to provide a portable monitor that includes a control unit anda monitoring unit.

It is still yet another and/or additional non-limiting object of thepresent invention to provide a portable monitor that includes wirelesscommunication between a control unit and a monitoring unit.

It is yet another and/or additional non-limiting object of the presentinvention to provide a portable monitor that provides G.P.S.information.

These and other advantages will become apparent to those skilled in theart upon the reading and following of this description taken togetherwith the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference may now be made to the drawings, which illustrate anon-limiting embodiment that the invention may take in physical form andin certain parts and arrangements of parts wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a landfill well being monitored by theportable monitor in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of a measuring unit of the portable monitor inaccordance with the present invention; and,

FIG. 3 is a top view of a control unit of the portable monitor inaccordance with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT

The solid waste and environmental industry uses field technicians tomeasure, monitor and store environmental information at particularindustrial sites and landfill sites. When measuring gases from alandfill well, information regarding methane, carbon dioxide and oxygenis desirable to determine the environmental impact of the landfill andthe potential energy from methane gas that can be obtained from thelandfill. The present invention is directed to a portable monitor thatcan be used by field technicians to obtain gas flow rates and gascomposition from landfill wells and will be described with particularreference thereto; however, it will be appreciated that the portablemonitor of the present invention can be used in other or additionapplications.

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showing is for the purpose ofillustrating a non-limiting preferred embodiment of the invention onlyand not for the purpose of limiting the same, FIG. 1 illustrates aconventional landfill gas extraction system. As illustrated in FIG. 1,there is provided a landfill 10, containing waste 12. A well 20 isdrilled into landfill 10. As can be appreciated, more than one well canbe drilled in landfill 10. When more than one well is drilled in alandfill, two or more wells can be interconnected together by pipelines;however, this is not required.

The one or more wells 20 typically include one or morevertically-oriented pipes 22 installed in a well bore 14 in the waste ofthe landfill. Backfill 16 is typically inserted into the well bore afterpipe 22 is inserted into the well bore. The depth of pipe 22 into thewell bore and the number of wells formed in the landfill typicallydepends on the size and depth of the landfill. The one or more pipes 22typically have perforations or slotted sections, not shown, disposedalong the pipes and/or at or near the end portion of the pipes. As canbe appreciated, the well can alternatively be formed of horizontaltrenches or areas filled with gravel. These trenches or areas may beisolated from the atmosphere by a plastic liner or other impermeablebarrier.

The top of the well 20 includes a well header 24 on the top end of pipe22. The top of header 24 includes a inlet pipe 40. The inlet pipe 40extends through header 24 and partially into the top portion of pipe 22.The inlet pipe includes three side openings or ports 42, 44, 46.Openings 42 and 44 are pressure ports to enable pressure readings to beobtained. Pressure port 44 provides a pressure reading for the staticpressure in well 20. Pressure port 42 provides a pressure reading forthe applied vacuum on the landfill well bore. Opening 46 in the topportion of the inlet pipe is to allow for a temperature reading for thelandfill gas being drawn into the well from the landfill. A wellheadvalve 50 is connected to the top portion of inlet pipe 40. The wellheadvalve is used to control the flowrate of landfill gas from the landfillinto the well. The wellhead valve is typically includes a gate valvewith an O-ring; however, this is not required. Connected to the wellheadvalve is a pipe coupler 60 that includes a pressure port 62. Pressureport 62 provides a pressure reading for the available vacuum pressurethat can be applied to the well. A flexible pipe portion 70 is securedto pipe coupler 60. Flexible pipe portion 70 is in turn connected tofeed pipe 80 typically by a flexseal coupling 72 that is used to directthe landfill gas to a flare and/or a processing unit for furtherprocessing of the landfill gas. Feedpipe 80 typically is inserted tosome depth in ground as illustrated in FIG. 1. The feedpipe is commonlyconnected to a reducer 82 which in turn is connected at one end to anelbow 84. The outer end of the elbow 84 is connected to pipe 86 thatdirects the landfill gas away from the landfill.

The landfill 10 typically includes one or more top layers, not shown,that are inserted over waste 12. The one or more tops layer can includesand, dirt, gravel, etc. The one or more top layers can include one ormore layers of materials, not shown, to at least partially entrap gassesunder the one or more top layers; and/or control and/or reduce the flowrate of gasses through the one or more top layers; however, this is notrequired.

The arrows in FIG. 1 illustrate the flow of gasses into and out of atypical landfill 10. The arrows 90 pointing into the landfill illustrateair (e.g., oxygen, nitrogen, etc.) being drawn into the landfill. Thearrows 92 pointing upward from the landfill illustrate landfill gas(e.g., methane, carbon dioxide, etc.) escaping the landfill through theone or more top layers of the landfill. The escape of landfill gasthrough the one or more top layers of the landfill can be partially theresult of not enough landfill gas being drawn through pipe 22 of well20. The arrows 94 pointing toward pipe 22 illustrate landfill gas beingdrawn into pipe 22. When too large a volume of landfill gas is drawninto well 20, the pressure differential between the landfill andatmosphere can result in air being drawn into the landfill as indicatedby arrows 90. When air enters the landfill, anaerobic degradation of thewaste in the landfill can be interrupted until the oxygen is consumed byaerobic processes.

If very large quantities of air are introduced into the landfill, eitherthrough natural occurrence or overly aggressive operation of thelandfill well, a partly unsupported subsurface combustion of the buriedwaste can be initiated. Such subsurface fires can be difficult tocontrol or extinguish once started, and can also present health andsafety hazards. The presence of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, andhydrogen sulphide in the landfill gas can be used as indicators ofpoorly supported combustion within the landfill. When too little of thelandfill gasses is drawn into the well 20, gas pressure builds-up in thelandfill and results in an increased rate at which the landfill gaspasses through the one or more top layers of the landfill and into theatmosphere. As such, a “tradeoff” exists between extracting or “pulling”too high a flow rate of the landfill gas into the well and entrainingexcessive atmospheric air, and pulling too little landfill gas throughthe well and recovering less landfill gas and allowing more landfill gasto enter the atmosphere.

To collect the landfill gas from the landfill, the pressure in the well20 is reduced below that of the landfill gas in the landfill. The amountof “pull” exerted by the well on the landfill gas is controlled byoperation of the blower and/or compressor, not shown, and/or byflow-controlling valves associated with the well. Reducing the pressuretoo much will tend to pull air through the top layer and into thelandfill. However, the requisite amount of pull to cause air intrusionwill vary due to a variety of factors including unknown local landfillgas generation rates and the consistency of the waste and soil in thelandfill.

The portable monitor of the present invention is design to provide theneeded information to a field operator to enable the operator to adjustand control the flowrate of landfill gas into the landfill well so as toa) achieve a steady state of operation of the gas collection system, b)stabilize the rate and quality of extracted landfill gas, c) achieve andmaintain effective subsurface gas migration control, d) achieve andmaintain effective surface gas emissions control, e) assist with properoperation of control and recovery equipment, f) avoid well “over-pull”and maintain a healthy anaerobic state within the landfill, g) optimizelandfill gas recovery for energy recovery purposes, h) control nuisancelandfill gas odors, i) prevent or control subsurface landfill fires, j)protect structures on and near the landfill, and/or k) meetenvironmental and regulatory compliance requirements for landfills.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, there is illustrated a portable monitor 100in accordance with the present invention. The portable monitor includesa measuring unit 110 and a control unit 150. The portable monitor isdesigned to obtain various types of information from well 20 so that theproper flowrate of landfill gas drawn into the well from landfill 10 canbe obtained. Such information includes, but not limited to, flowrate oflandfill gas into the well, composition of the landfill gas flowing intothe well, temperature of the landfill gas flowing into the well, LEL ofthe landfill gas being drawn into the well, and available vacuumpressure for the well.

Referring not to FIG. 2, the measuring unit 110 of the portable monitor100 is a relatively small and light unit. The measuring unit typicallyhas a weight of less than about 5 lbs, and a total volume of less thanabout 200 cubic inches. The housing 112 of the measuring unit is made ofa durable material that protects the internal components of themeasuring unit from damage. The measuring unit is designed to be used ina wide variety of environments. The measuring unit typically has aIngress Protection Rating at least IP67. The measuring unit is typicallydesigned to operate in temperature as low as about −20° F., and as highas about 120° F. The housing of the measuring unit can include one ormore slots and/or connectors, not shown, to facilitate in removablyconnecting the housing to a well structure or the like so that themeasuring unit can be conveniently mounted in a temporarily fashionduring the testing the landfill well; however, this is not required.

On the top face of housing 112 is a heater power button/indicator 114, aunit power button/indicator 116, and a battery life indicator 118. Theunit power button/indicator 116 is used to manually power on or off themeasuring unit. The unit power button/indicator includes a indicatorlight to indicate when the measuring unit is powered on or off. The heatpower button/indicator 114 is used to manually power on or off theheating system for the measuring unit. The heat power button/indicatorincludes a indicator light to indicate when the heating system ispowered on or off. When the heat power button/indicator is activated,one or more heating elements in the measuring unit supply heat to one ormore regions of the measuring unit. In colder temperatures, theoperation of one of more components in the measuring unit can beimpaired, thus resulting in slow or unreliable measurements from thelandfill well. The one or more heating elements in the measuring deviceare designed to maintain the temperature of one or more internalcomponents in the measuring device above a certain temperature. Thebattery life indicator 118 indicates the remaining charge of therechargeable battery in the measuring unit.

On the sides of housing 112 are several coupler ports 120, 122, 124,126. Coupler port 120 is the static pressure port and is design to beconnected to a vacuum tube 130 which in turn is connected to pressureport 44 of inlet pipe 40 as illustrated in FIG. 1. Coupler port 122 isthe impact pressure port and is design to be connected to a vacuum tube132 which in turn is connected to pressure port 42 of inlet pipe 40 asillustrated in FIG. 1. Coupler port 126 is the available pressure portand is design to be connected to a vacuum tube 134 which in turn isconnected to pressure port 62 of coupler pipe 60 as illustrated inFIG. 1. Coupler port 124 is a temperature port that is designed toconnect to a temperature probe wire 136 which in turn is connected to atemperature probe located in opening 46 of inlet pipe 40 as illustratedin FIG. 1. The side of housing 112 also includes an exhaust port 128that is used to expel the analyzed landfill gas from the measuring unit.

The measuring unit 110 is designed to use information received fromcoupler ports 120, 122 and 126 to determine the static pressure in thewell, the applied vacuum pressure on the well, and the available vacuumpressure for the well. Coupler port 124 is used by the measuring unit todetermine the temperature of the landfill gas that is flowing into pipe40. The portable monitor can use these measurements from the measuringunit to calculate the flow rate of landfill gas into pipe 40.

In the inside of housing 112, there is provided a plurality of chemicalanalyzers used to identify and/or measure the concentration of one ormore components of the landfill gas. In particular, the measuring unitincludes chemical analyzers to measure the concentration of methane,carbon dioxide and oxygen in the landfill gas. The measuring unit can beused to calculate and/or measure the concentration of other gasses inthe landfill gas such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, nitrogen,and the like; however, this is not required. The chemical analyzer forthe methane and carbon dioxide is typically an IR measuring cell, andthe chemical analyzer for oxygen is typically a galvanic cell; however,this is not required. The measuring unit includes one or more pumps todraw the landfill gas into one or more coupler port 120, 122, 126,and/or expel the landfill gas through exhaust port 128. In addition tomeasuring the concentration of components of the landfill gas, theportable monitor can be used to measure the lower explosive limit (LEL)of the landfill gas. The measuring unit includes one or more circuitsand/or microprocessors to operate one or more software and/or hardwareprograms in the measuring unit, and/or one or more components in themeasuring unit (e.g., calibration hardware/software, flowratecalculation hardware/software, BTU calculation software, gas analysishardware/software, communication hardware/software, mode of operationhardware/software, pump, chemical analyzer, temperature detector, etc.).The measuring unit can include one or more connection ports. Asillustrated in FIG. 1, there is provided a communication cable 140 thatcan be used to connect the measuring unit 110 to the control unit 150 toenable data transfer between the two units. This cable connectionarrangement between the measuring unit and the control unit is anoptional arrangement. The measuring unit can also include cableconnection arrangements to connect to other types of devices (e.g.,computer, phone, internet, printer, data storage, etc.). The measuringunit also includes wireless communication hardware to enable themeasuring unit to communicate wirelessly with the control unit.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 3, there is illustrated the control unit150 of the portable monitor 100. The control unit is a portable handhelddevice that is used to a) at least partially control the operation ofmeasuring unit 110; b) to obtain information, process informationobtained/measured by the measuring unit 110, and/or c) monitor theoperation of the measuring unit 100. As can be appreciated, the controlunit can have other or additional uses. The communication betweencontrol unit 150 and measuring unit 110 is typically wireless; however,a cable connection using cable 140 as illustrated in FIG. 1 can beoptionally used to connect together the control unit and the measuringunit.

The control unit is typically sized and configured like a typical PDAdevice, Palm PC device or blackberry device; however, the control unitcan be sized and configured in other ways. In one non-limitingconfiguration, the control unit is a customized TRIMBLE RECON handhelddevice. These types of devices are desirable due to their small,lightweight and rugged design. The control unit is designed to be usedin a wide variety of environments. Like the measuring unit, the controlunit typically has an Ingress Protection Rating of at least IP67 so thatthe control unit can be safely used in rainy conditions, snowyconditions, sunny conditions, dusty condition, etc. The control unit isalso typically designed to properly operate in temperature at least aslow as about 0° F., and at least as high as about 120° F. The controlunit typically has a weight and size that is less than the measuringunit. Typically, the control unit has a weight of less than about 1.5lbs, and a volume of less than about 50 cubic inches.

As best illustrated in FIG. 3, the control unit 150 includes a housing160 that is formed of a durable material such as, but not limited to,plastic, metal, etc. Located at the top and bottom of the housing arecushioning elements 162 designed to protect the housing and internalcomponents of the control unit when the control unit is inadvertentlydropped on the ground. The top face 164 of the housing includes aopening for viewing a LCD display screen 170. The LCD display may be ablack and white or a color display. The display enables an operator toview various types of information. The display may also include touchscreen features to enable an operator to enter information into thecontrol unit and/or access information form the control unit. A styluspen or the like, not shown, may be used with the touch screen featuresof the display to facilitate in the operation of the control unit. Thetop face of the control unit also includes several buttons 180 that areused to operate one or more functions/features of the control unit (e.g,power on/off button, cursor button, function button, enter button,delete button, etc.). The control unit may also include a displayprotector, not shown, that is removably fitted over the display panel toprotect the display panel from damage; however, this is not required.The control unit can also include a hand strap and/or clip connector tofacilitate in the carrying of the control unit; however, this is notrequired.

The control unit includes one or more circuits and/or microprocessors tooperate one or more software and/or hardware programs that are loaded inthe control unit. For example, the control unit may include one or moreIntel or AMD processors in combination with various amounts of datastorage memory. An operating system such as Microsoft Windows Mobilesoftware or the like can be loaded in the control unit. Various othertypes of software can be loaded in the control unit to enhance thefeatures/operation of the control unit. Such software can include, butis not limited to, G.P.S. software, navigation software, wirelesscommunication software, photograph/video software, sound/music software,sound recording software, file/data transfer software, internet browsersoftware, wordprocessor software, touch screen software, databasesoftware, spreadsheet software, email software, calendar software,address book software, security software, data management software, andthe like. The control unit also includes software that is used tocalibrate, diagnose problems, control and/or monitor the measuring unit,and/or to receive and/or transmit information between the control unitand measuring unit. The control unit may also include software toprocess the information received from the measuring unit to provideadditional information about the landfill well. The control unit alsoincludes wireless technology to transfer information between the controlunit and the measuring unit (e.g., 802.11 wireless technology, Bluetooth technology, IR technology, etc.). The control unit can includeother optional components such as, but not limited to, camera,microphone, speaker, indicators (e.g., battery level indicator, on/offindicator, etc.), power pack compartment that is used to store one ormore rechargeable energy cells, one or more connection ports (e.g., firewire, USB, serial cable, phone cable, ethernet cable, etc.), one or moreexpansion slots (e.g., Type1 and/or Type II expansion slots), etc.

In operation, the control unit can be used to control most, if not all,of the operations of the measuring unit once the measuring unit has beenconnected to the landfill well. As such, an operator is able to remotelymonitor and/or control the measuring unit. This is a significantimprovement over prior art portable monitors wherein the operator had tobe positioned next to the single portable monitor in order to monitorthe operation of the single portable monitor, control the operation ofthe single portable monitor, and to take measurements from the singleportable monitor.

It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those madeapparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained, andsince certain changes may be made in the constructions set forth withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intendedthat all matter contained in the above description and shown in theaccompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense. The invention has been described with reference topreferred and alternate embodiments. Modifications and alterations willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading andunderstanding the detailed discussion of the invention provided herein.This invention is intended to include all such modifications andalterations insofar as they come within the scope of the presentinvention. It is also to be understood that the following claims areintended to cover all of the generic and specific features of theinvention herein described and all statements of the scope of theinvention, which, as a matter of language, might be said to falltherebetween.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A method of monitoring a landfill well comprising:a. providing a portable monitor, said portable monitor including aportable control unit and a portable measuring unit, said portablemeasuring unit including at least one heating element designed to heatat least one internal component of said portable measuring unit, saidportable control unit designed to monitor and control at least onefunction of said portable measuring unit, said portable measuring unitincluding at least one pressure measurement component and at least onechemical analyzer; b. detachably connecting said portable measuring unitto a plurality of ports on said well; c. monitoring and controlling atleast one function of said portable measuring unit from a remotelocation by said portable control unit, and; d. disconnecting andremoving said portable measuring unit from said well after testing ofsaid well is completed.
 22. The method as defined in claim 21, whereinsaid portable control unit and said portable measuring unit wirelesslycommunicate with one another.
 23. The method defined in claim 21,including the step of measuring the presence and concentration of atleast three gases, at least three of said gases are selected from thegroup consisting of carbon dioxide, methane, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogensulfide, and combinations thereof.
 24. The method defined in claim 22,including the step of measuring the presence and concentration of atleast three gases, at least three of said gases are selected from thegroup consisting of carbon dioxide, methane, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogensulfide, and combinations thereof.
 25. The method as defined in claim21, including the step of simultaneously detecting at least threepressures from a well, said pressures including static well pressure,available well pressure, and applied well pressure.
 26. The method asdefined in claim 24, including the step of simultaneously detecting atleast three pressures from a well, said pressures including static wellpressure, available well pressure, and applied well pressure.
 27. Themethod as defined in claim 21, including the step of obtaining G.P.S.coordinates for the well.
 28. The method as defined in claim 26,including the step of obtaining G.P.S. coordinates for the well.
 29. Themethod as defined in claim 21, wherein said portable control unit is ahandheld device selected from the group consisting of a tablet PC, apalm PC, a PDA and a blackberry device.
 30. The method as defined inclaim 28, wherein said portable control unit is a handheld deviceselected from the group consisting of a tablet PC, a palm PC, a PDA anda blackberry device.
 31. The method as defined in claim 21, wherein saidportable measuring unit has a size, shape and weight that enables a userto easily and conveniently carry said portable measuring unit to thewell, said portable measuring unit having a weight of less than about 20lbs and a volume that is less than about 500 cubic inches.
 32. Themethod as defined in claim 30, wherein said portable measuring unit hasa size, shape and weight that enables a user to easily and convenientlycarry said portable measuring unit to the well, said portable measuringunit having a weight of less than about 20 lbs and a volume that is lessthan about 500 cubic inches.
 33. A method of monitoring a plurality oflandfill wells comprising: a. providing a portable monitor, saidportable monitor including a portable control unit and a portablemeasuring unit, said portable control unit having a weight of less thanabout 5 lbs and a volume that is less than about 100 cubic inches, saidportable control unit being a handheld device selected from the groupconsisting of a tablet PC, a palm PC, a PDA and a blackberry device,said portable measuring unit having a size, shape and weight thatenables a user to easily and conveniently carry said portable measuringunit to the well, said portable measuring unit having a weight of lessthan about 20 lbs and a volume that is less than about 500 cubic inches,said portable measuring unit including at least one pressure measurementcomponent, a plurality of chemical analyzers, and a plurality of fluidcoupling devices, said fluid coupling devices designed to enable flowfluid from said landfill well to at least one of said chemicalanalyzers, said at least one pressure measurement component, andcombinations thereof; b. detachably connecting said portable measuringunit to a plurality of ports on a first landfill well, said step ofdetachably connecting includes detachably connecting said fluid couplingdevices to different locations on said first landfill well; c.wirelessly monitoring and controlling by said portable control unit atleast one function of said portable measuring unit from a locationremote from said portable measuring unit, said plurality of chemicalanalyzers in said portable measuring unit designed to measure thepresence and concentration of at least three gases in a landfill gas, atleast three of said gases that can be measured by said chemicalanalyzers are selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide,methane, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen sulfide, and combinations thereof;d. wirelessly transmitting data from said portable measuring unit tosaid portable control unit regarding chemical analysis by said pluralityof chemical analyzers, said at least one pressure measurement component,and combinations thereof; e. detaching said portable measuring unit fromsaid plurality of ports on a first landfill well after testing of saidfirst landfill well is completed; f. detachably connecting said portablemeasuring unit to a plurality of ports on a second landfill well, saidstep of detachably connecting includes detachably connecting said fluidcoupling devices to different locations on said second landfill well,said second landfill well remotely positioned from said first landfillwell; and, g. repeating steps c-e for said second land fill well. 34.The method as defined in claim 33, including the step of simultaneouslydetecting at least three pressures from a well, said pressures includingstatic well pressure, available well pressure, and applied wellpressure.
 35. The method as defined in claim 33, including the step ofheating at least component of said portable measuring unit while saidportable measuring unit is detachably connected to said landfill welland is testing said landfill well, said step of heating maintaining saidat least component of said portable measuring unit at a temperature ofabove 30° F.
 36. The method as defined in claim 34, including the stepof heating at least component of said portable measuring unit while saidportable measuring unit is detachably connected to said landfill welland is testing said landfill well, said step of heating maintaining saidat least component of said portable measuring unit at a temperature ofabove 30° F.
 37. The method as defined in claim 33, wherein saidportable control unit, said portable measuring unit, or combinationsthereof obtaining G.P.S. coordinates for said landfill well prior totesting, during testing, after testing, and combinations thereof of saidlandfill well.
 38. The method as defined in claim 36, wherein saidportable control unit, said portable measuring unit, or combinationsthereof obtaining G.P.S. coordinates for said landfill well prior totesting, during testing, after testing, and combinations thereof of saidlandfill well.
 39. The method as defined in claim 36, including the stepof obtaining information for a LEL measurement of said landfill gas. 40.The method as defined in claim 36, including the step of packing saidportable control unit and said portable measuring unit into a singlecarrying device selected from the group consisting of a backpack and abrief case.